Barley Straw

The technique of using barley for algae control in the UK has developed quickly since the early 1990s, where it is widely used in many bodies of water, including large reservoirs and canals. In general, it is thought that fungi decompose the barley in water, which causes a chemical to be released that prevents the growth of the algae. The specific chemicals have not been identified (oxidized polyphenolics and hydrogen peroxide are two decomposition products that have been suggested), and it is not clear whether the chemical is exuded from the barley itself or if it is a metabolic product produced by the fungi. The activity of barley straw is usually described as being algistatic (prevents new growth of algae) rather than algicidal (kills already existing algae).

This web page is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising
fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Content that appears on this site comes from Amazon Services LLC. This content is Provided ‘AS IS’ and is subject to change or removal at any time.